MF Fire Nova C vs Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro
The MF Fire Nova C is the cleaner burner: 1.9 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro is the more efficient unit: 76% versus 71% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro produces more peak heat (50,200 vs 28,140 BTU/h), suiting roughly 1,450–2,000 sq ft. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro has the larger firebox (2.26 vs 1.7 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads. Combustion technology differs: the MF Fire Nova C is a catalytic stove and the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro a non-catalytic stove — see the catalytic vs non-catalytic guide for what that means day to day.
| MF Fire Nova C | Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Catalytic Stove | Non-Catalytic Stove |
| Certified fuel | Crib Wood | Cord Wood |
| Emission rate | 1.9 g/hr | 2 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 71 % | 76 % |
| Heat output (low) | 23654 BTU/h | 14300 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 28140 BTU/h | 50200 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 1.7 cu ft | 2.26 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 0.94 g/min | 1 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | No | Yes |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 356-23 | 337-22 |
| Covered model numbers | Nova C | Bistro Series (Bistro, Gusto, Pyra, 600, HEC240, IW600) |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the MF Fire Nova C or the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro?
The MF Fire Nova C: 1.9 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr for the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro.
Are the MF Fire Nova C and Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro both EPA certified?
Yes — both appear on the U.S. EPA's current list of certified wood heaters, and every figure on this page comes from their certification records.